These Design Trends Will Be Big in 2024

Corine Maggio of CM Natural Designs believes 2024 is going to the year of color. “Whether traditional or modern and everything in between color is everywhere,” she explains. “People are starting to really be brave and want something fresh and lively. I personally am excited about this movement and eager to jump in head first!”

Daniella Villamil of Daniella Villamil Interior Design agrees: “In 2024, a myriad of captivating paint shades will dominate the scene. From soothing pastels to rich jewel tones, there’s a color palette to suit every taste and style. Creating a statement wall with a patterned wallpaper or using color as an accent will be popular ways to incorporate these trendy hues.”

“Kitchens won’t be left out of the color this year, either,” Breegan Jane, designer, entrepreneur, and lifestyle expert, predicts. “I think we will start to see more refrigerators in bold colors, as well as counters and backsplashes in stone with strong colored veining for a greater impact.”

This is a “trend” that is always “it,” and we hope it stays that way. “In 2024, eco-consciousness takes center stage, emphasizing the integration of biophilic design elements, sustainable materials, and living walls,” Villamil says. “Incorporating nature into interior spaces enhances well-being and creates a harmonious connection with the environment. By embracing green living, homeowners can create spaces that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also promote a sustainable lifestyle.”

Susan Wintersteen of Savvy Interiors believes more and more emphasis will be placed on sourcing sustainable materials, like reclaimed wood, recycled materials, and no-VOC paints.

And Amanda Gunawan of OWIU Design anticipates even more uses of sustainable materials in both design and building. “Unique pieces like seaweed lamps, features made out of mycelium, or Japanese shikkui plaster that is made out of natural seaweed fibers. We, at OWIU Design, have already started to incorporate these into our business and look forward to them becoming even more popular!” she says.

“Indoor plants may not be a new trend, but indoor gardens and tree installations are the perfect way to bring the outdoors in in 2024,” says Raili Clasen of Raili CA Interior Design and author of the upcoming book, Surf Style at Home. “We scrapped the hallway cabinets for a tree installation which creates a feeling of walking through a garden path. Planters instead of buffets in the dining room are not only cool, but connect the space to the exterior. Small kitchen? Pull together a small cactus garden in pots on open shelves. Not only do these live installations become art, but they also connect to the great outdoors.”

“For many years, bathrooms have been relatively safe spaces when it comes to design: Think white tile and stone, and a pretty standard palette of materials,” says Nureed Saeed of NU Interiors. “This year, bathrooms and kitchens are going to be places where people put as much personality as other rooms in the home in terms of color, pattern, texture, and style. People are going to be less obsessed with ‘is this going to hold its resale value’ and far, far more invested in bringing their true personality into every room of the house. Through colorful tile, less expected finishes and materials, as well as integrating ‘non-bathroom’ elements like art, rustic lighting, and more.”

Linda Hayslett of LH.Designs says organic lighting shapes will be big in 2024. “This trend makes a space feel more unique and purposeful in feeling. People are going more toward less straightforward looks and love more conversation pieces. Lighting is becoming more artistic, and people are starting to understand that they don’t just help illuminate a room, they set a mood and feeling for a space too,” Hayslett explains.

And Jen Samson of Jen Samson Design believes that ambient lighting will be important, too. “For so long designers have stressed the importance of lighting in a space, and 2024 will be the year that this catches on,” she says. “Specifically with wall sconces that wash the walls in light in a really sculptural way, small pendants and  lamps will also add elements here and there.”

“I’m looking forward to the emergence of artistic large prints full of big bold color,” Jane says. “’Dopamine decor’ is definitely making its presence known in 2024. In general, I think design will lean away from the demure and understated and more towards avant-garde.”

Andrea May of Andrea May Interiors also adds that panoramic mural wall coverings will have a moment, too. “Wallpaper has become incredibly popular, but now as people are looking for increasingly personalized, more customized homes, a wall mural is like having a massive painting in a room. Custom murals or panels can give a room a sense of adventure and escape unlike anything else,” she says.

Melinda Mandell of Melinda Mandell Interior Design points out that vintage bathrooms have a cult following right now, with @vintagebathroomlove has gathering a community together of retro tile aficionados, vintage bathroom saviors, and old home restoration fanatics. “We love preserving and re-creating the beauty of the past, like we did with this bathroom remodel. Everything seen here is new here except the tub, but the spirit of the 1931 home is carried through seamlessly,” she says.

In general, Villamil sees a wave of retro design coming. “The nostalgia of the ‘70s is making a comeback in 2024 interior design,” she adds. “Retro-inspired elements like warm and dusty pinks, moss green, and warm neutrals will infuse spaces with a timeless charm. Adding retro accents to contemporary designs can create an interesting juxtaposition, resulting in visually stunning interiors that captivate the senses.”

And we won’t just be looking back to the ‘60s and ‘70s, we’re also going to see the “Old World” aesthetic pop up more. Samson predicts we’ll see if in a variety of different ways, from textured walls to earthy and warm tones and woods. The trend will also shine through in linens, hand-painted tiles, and intricate design details in natural stone accents. 

Jane says true Venetian plaster is very much here to stay, as it’s a durable material and adds a timeless quality. And she also sees antique pottery having a moment. “We will see this in large pots and planters with an aged look as if they were left outside to be sun-bleached during a European summer,” she adds.

“Maybe it is the ‘quiet luxury’ effect but I anticipate a trend towards relaxed and casual luxury, specifically when it comes to furniture,” Samson says. “Clients will lean more towards comfortable, lived-in furniture rather than smooth clean and sterile looks.”

“Nature will be embraced in design in 2024. It’s not just about bringing the outdoors in; it’s making it a part of the design,” explains Katie Browning of Lucas Browning Design. “We will be incorporating large windows framing picturesque views, skylights that invite starry nights, and mirrors strategically positioned to multiply the goodness!”

“We will see layering natural textures, colors, and shapes that reflect the world around us,” says Ariel Richardson, founder and lead designer of ASR Design. “Expect to see soulful, beautiful spaces built around the natural aesthetic.”

And Samson adds that clients and designers will be gravitating towards graphic natural stones, marbles, and terracotta. Wood will also continue to be popular, with darker, warmer woods getting more popular.

“We’ve seen curves in furniture for some time now, sofas, cabinetry, tables, etc., which I do anticipate continuing in 2024; but I also see this trend moving into new forms within the home like: archways, hallways, and shower entries. Softer lines and organic shapes within the architecture are buzzing too,” says Samson.

Tiffani Baumgart of Tiffani Baumgart Interiors echoes the curved walls trend. “In 2024 we’re going to see more curved walls. They’re an incredible way to soften spaces—glamorous and enveloping in a romantic way. People are now yearning for that sense of safety and softness in their homes unlike ever before. Dining rooms, staircases, vestibules. Curved walls are amazing to plaster or to feature a hand-painted mural to accentuate the curves,” she says.

“We have seen this trend grow over the last few years and expect it to only pick up steam; coffee counters behind recessing pantry doors,” Mandell says. “When open, they are just as beautiful as the rest of the kitchen cabinetry, offering additional work space, and hold breakfast items, the coffee machine, the tea kettle, and other appliances. When closed, they sleekly hide the clutter of daily living.”

Jessica Dorling of Dorling Design Studio predicts bar shelving in kitchens to be “in” for 2024. “This design that has stood the test of time for centuries offers a classic aesthetic to any space. In contrast to the more trendy wall-mounted option, bar shelving provides a timeless appeal, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a lasting and stylish kitchen design,” she says. “This style not only allows for the display of beautiful items but also serves as valuable storage. Particularly useful in smaller kitchens where wall space is limited, the thoughtful placement of bar shelves next to, or in front of windows not only maximizes the natural light coming into the kitchen but also enhances the storage it provides, combining a thoughtful and functional approach to kitchen storage.”

“We are seeing a movement to go beyond blonde white oak, and embrace darker warm wood tones, including rich brown stains on cabinetry, as well as floors (which is always classic),” Mandell says. “We are also seeing excitement in the design community for the warm side of the color wheel—painting cabinets and walls in rich, complex hues like aubergine, cherry, marigold, and cocoa or taupe-y brown.”

And Heather Lucas of Lucas Browning Design predicts that layering warm colors will be key in 2024. “This year, the color palette is all about warm neutrals, and we are even seeing a resurgence of pastels—a dash of pastel pink for a sweet touch, moody blue for a mysterious allure, light blue like a clear sky, and soft yellow or bold ochre to add a sunny pop. Together, these shades create a room that’s not just stylish but also oozing with comfort and charm,” she says. 

Lauren Meichtry of Elsie Home likes the pairing of earthy hues and bold, statement marble. “You can’t go wrong with pairing these two in 2023 and you won’t go wrong in 2024. This combination is the relaxed excitement we all need heading into the new year,” she explains. “Think clay, sage, even a lovely brown tone (which is having its moment, as well) paired with a heavily-veined and busy marble—it’s an easily-executed design ready to elevate any kitchen or bathroom.”

“Expect to see paint colors in shades of deep seafoam, teals, navy blues, and other hues in the blue-green family ranging from medium to dark,“ Jane says.

Joel Wong of OWIU Design also predicts green hues being big, too. “Adjacent to the sustainability trend, we anticipate shades of green being very popular in 2024,” he says. “Depending on the shade green can really be used as a base neutral—a really dark forest green can read black, while a light mint green could read white depending on the lighting and what colors you pair next to them.”

We’ll see more darker tones, Amy Pigliacampo of Amy Pigliacampo Interiors says. “Aubergine, navy, deep olive, chocolate brown, dark terracotta… we are seeing this in all forms: upholstery, wood tones, wallpaper, paint, etc. I think everyone just got tired of so much white,” she explains. “The design world is cyclical and any time the pendulum swings light, it’s inevitable that it’s going to head back to the dark side at some point. I think it’s reflective of everyone moving on from COVID; we were home a lot and white felt optimistic, fresh and casual. The world is finding its groove again and that means socializing, going out at night, dressing up, and with that comes the push toward something a bit more dramatic and evocative.

Raspberry and mauve tones are giving blush a run for its money in 2024. “Blush may have been the color for 2022 and 2023, but as we move into the new year, richer colors provide the depth, especially in historic homes where deeper tones can highlight the incredible craftsmanship,” says Maren Baker of Maren Baker Design. “Light, delicate colors can be beautiful, but in reality, these darker colors can hide a multitude of sins and stains.”

“We saw tons of gingham this year and know it’s going to stick around in 2024, but it’ll be joined by plenty of stripes and checks!” Hayley English of Hayley English Interiors predicts. “These patterns serve as great staples in any design. We’re even seeing some unique applications to often traditional stripes or plaids and know that designers will continue to push the envelope in the new year!”

“Dense forest-like florals in dark greens and blues for wallpapers and fabrics continue to grow in popularity,” Mandell notes. “We got a fab response to this Powder Room we designed in Portola Valley, California, where we used House of Hackney’s Limerence wallpaper on the walls. Other brands like Dedar Milano and Cowtan & Tout have similarly lush patterns.”

“Designing for the senses—both sight and touch will be big in 2024,” says Samson. “Using textured fabrics that both show texture and are dimensional and soft to the touch. Also texture in other elements besides textiles, like reeded glass in cabinetry, doors, windows, and light fixtures, also fluted marble, plaster, and raked walls. The options are limitless!”

In that similar vein, English says grasscloth and sisal wall covering are coming back in a big way. “Many vendors are offering their fan favorite patterns in grasscloth or sisal and we anticipate a surge of installs with these beautiful, textured materials,” she says. “For clients nervous about inevitable wear and tear of family life, some vendors offer vinyl or faux grasscloth versions!”

“Trim will become a huge element in 2024! From drapery to pillows to lamp shades—I can’t wait to see where this goes and how it is interpreted in different styles,” 

English sees an emergence of more performance fabrics. “We are jazzed about upcoming launches of new performance collections,” she says. “In 2023, we saw several showstopping performance collections that look and feel luxurious—we are eagerly awaiting several more in the works.”

May agrees, adding “Performance fabrics like Sunbrella and Perennials have such a beautiful feeling now and are perfectly suited for indoors. You never ever have to worry about stains. Even certain bouclés now have a performance version, which doesn’t just prevent stains, but also cats who love to scratch!”

“Furniture pieces like sofas will be more modular and often feature design details like tufting, exposed metal framing, and even pieces of raw wood,” says Jane. “Those more typical two- and three-seater couches that are reminiscent of a ‘90s store catalog are quickly heading out.”

Custom-built furniture is going to be big, too. “Since there are so many craftsmen that people can easily commission to make exactly what they want, we think people are buying less ready-made furniture and ordering custom-made ones instead. This makes for a bespoke piece that also is the utmost function for your needs,” Gunawan says.